What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Ticking sound while accelerating

jeff in co

jeff in co

1/2 ton status
 Premium
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Posts
2,198
Reaction score
446
Location
Colorado Springs
I just made it back from Idaho and a few thousand miles on the truck. One thing that came up was a leak in the high pressure steering hose so I changed that out up in Cheyenne. Of course, there was fluid on the frame, springs, etc.

So, when I got back today, I hit the car wash and cleaned the engine compartment and also the underside real well with the pressure washer. When I left, and while accelerating, I now get a ticking sound (almost like an exhaust leak) every time. I thought is was just some wet wires or something and drove on the freeway for about 10 minutes.

Well, its still there. What did I do now?? Ignition wires wet, dist. Cap wet, or midi I crack something on the exhaust??:dunno:

Once I finally say to myself....this should be just about the last main repair, soothing else comes up. So frustrating sometimes!:confused:
 
Ticking sounds like valves. But I did have a friend that pressure washed his engine bay once and ended up with an exaust leak. Washed the donut gasket out and the stuff that was holding it together.

Also saw somebody do that to a hot motor and warp the intake.
 
80' 427 said:
or crack an exhaust manifold
Click to expand...

And the later (TBI era?) manifolds are FAMOUS for cracking. IIRC it's the passenger side, but it'll crack UNDER the heatshield, whichever side that is.

The dead giveaway to me that this happens all the time is that the junkyards didn't have used ones ... but they would sell me an aftermarket one. Which they stocked. Since when do junkyards carry aftermarket parts? (Since they know they can sell them, obviously.)

Also, Lisle has a gizmo expressly to adjust the one during installation so you don't cross-thread the bolts, e.g.

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-13000-Manifold-Spreader-Chevrolet/dp/B0009OR94W

You oughta be able to get it from your local parts place.

You only need one; put in one end bolt finger tight, then use the spreader until the middle one goes in. Tighten them both, remove the spreader, then use the spreader on the other end.

Been there, done that.

-- A
 
My bet is exhaust. Ignition wouldn't be as loud and you'd probably have a 'miss' if, say a wire was arcing to a valve cover.

You can spray your wires with water/windex/whatever at night and if they are arcing, you'll see it.

But, like I said, probably exhaust. Manifolds do break. Mine did. Easily fixed with headers, tho.
 
Crazy, but I got really lucky tracking a sporadic tick or clatter of mine.....at the booster. Wound up being the top nuts were loose. Tightened them up and noise went away. Just sayin since the exhaust idea has been covered.
 
When I had manifolds, the rear-most bolt liked to loosen up. The ticking sound let me know it was time to tighten it.

A buddy had his Ram at my house and I noticed a HUGE ticking sound. I grabbed a wrench, tightened up the manifold bolts and the noise was gone. Later, his check engine light went off, which he said had been on for several months and the noise hadn't really bothered him :confused:
 
That's what I was afraid of.....exhaust manifold leaking. :doah:

Thanks Dremu, that's a cool little device! I'll look into it.

I guess I was just hoping it was some wet thing that would heal itself. I guess I'm not so lucky. I've cleaned the engine dozens of times with a pressure washer and never had an issue so I thought I was safe. Guess not. :dunno:

Now, on the up side, I do recall one of the bolts missing on the manifold (I think the driver's side). I'll certainly start there and see if that helps.

Thanks all for your help! :waytogo:

When does it stop!!!

As a result of this little Idaho trip:
New tranny (which on rare occasions shutters in reverse when hot)
Leaking PS hose
now, exhaust leak
 
Last edited:
Mine had a cracked manifold also, actually it came off in 2 pieces when I unbolted it. I got my replacement manifold from 1A auto Parts. It was cheap and came with all the gaskets and hardware too. Been on there a few years now without issue.
 
jeff in co said:
When does it stop!!!

As a result of this little Idaho trip:
New tranny (which on rare occasions shutters in reverse when hot)
Leaking PS hose
now, exhaust leak
Click to expand...

It never stops, otherwise you would get bored of it :whistle:
 
jeff in co said:
That's what I was afraid of.....exhaust manifold leaking. :doah:

I guess I was just hoping it was some wet thing that would heal itself. I guess I'm not so lucky. I've cleaned the engine dozens of times with a pressure washer and never had an issue so I thought I was safe. Guess not. :dunno:

Now, on the up side, I do recall one of the bolts missing on the manifold (I think the driver's side). I'll certainly start there and see if that helps.
Click to expand...
Well if it's just a loose or missing bolt, that's hardly a big deal. I haven't experienced too many car problems that fixed themselves. The night-time garage gnomes must be more useful out there. Around here, they just hide my tools.
 
Glad you.made it back ok.if you end up needing to take manifold off I have manifold spreaders tools that make the job so much.easier
 
63chevyll said:
Glad you.made it back ok.if you end up needing to take manifold off I have manifold spreaders tools that make the job so much.easier
Click to expand...

Yea, it was a heck of a drive for the 16 yr old in the Blazer. I was towing the boat in the suburban so I was cruisin' in luxury compared to her.

I appreciate the offer on the tool. Once I get time to look at it, I'll see what I need.

I'd like to hit the race thing on Thursday but who knows whats going on that day......:dunno:
 
Even if it does end you will find a way to work on things that aren't broke.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom